The Brooklyn Nets could end South Florida’s fifteen-year draft drought by selecting defensive standout Izaiyah Nelson, an energetic big man whose high-octane motor and rebounding prowess command attention.
The Brooklyn Nets have two second-round picks in this year's draft, and could make South Florida's Izaiyah Nelson the first player drafted from the program in over 15 years.
Nelson is one of three players from mid-major schools to receive an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine.
The 6-foot-10 forward had a career year for the Bulls in his lone season with the team. He averaged 15.9 points on 56.1% from the field and 72.5% from the free-throw line, alongside grabbing 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
Nelson is also an active defender, recording 1.4 blocks and 1.6 steals (totaling three stocks). His two-way activity highlights the energy he brings, and is a trait he believes is valuable for any team.
"I feel like I can fit anywhere," Nelson told the Nets Wire on Friday. "Like if the Brooklyn Nets drafted me, I feel like I could bring a big key to them, bring that energy, like most people don't know how to bring it. My whole career, I've been the energy guy. I love being that kind of guy, and I just, I love the game of basketball."
The Marietta, Georgia, native started his collegiate career at Arkansas State, where he developed for three seasons. Nelson averaged 4.6 points during his freshman campaign, and he more than doubled his scoring to 9.8 in the following season.
He scored 10.6 points in his final season with the Red Wolves before transferring to USF for his final year. While his scoring improved, the one aspect of his game that remained the same was his defensive activity.
Nelson blocked 1.3 shots in his freshman and junior years, and two shots during his sophomore campaign. He did not average over a steal a game until he transferred to USF, still showing improvement even in the strong areas of his skill set.
Brooklyn has the 33rd and 43rd pick in this year's draft, and Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected the San Antonio Spurs to select Nelson with the 44th pick.
Nelson is within the Nets' draft range, and he would provide additional size and energy for Brooklyn in the front court. He would become the fourth 6-foot-10 player on the roster, alongside Michael Porter Jr., Noah Clowney and Day'Ron Sharpe.
The former Bull lacks high-level creation or shooting ability, but his effort and hustle are intangible qualities that many NBA teams value in players.
Nelson would become the 10th USF player drafted and the first since Dominique Jones in 2010, when the Memphis Grizzlies drafted and traded his rights to the Dallas Mavericks.
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